Hi, I’m Max, a high performance coach.
In today’s reading, we’re diving into a challenge that even the most successful among us face: maintaining motivation. If you’re a high performer reading this then firstly, congratulations for even finding the time to read this. High five.
Now, let’s get into this. Today’s reading is grounded in my work in coaching some of the highest performers from around the world in the business, athletic and creative spaces. Let’s be honest—staying motivated at your level isn’t always easy. It’s more complicated than just setting goals or pushing harder. If it wasn’t complicated, you would’ve figured it out.
At the core of this problem is a fundamental cognitive dissonance whereby a part of your psyche is struggling and the other part is whipping it, trying to get it to get it remotivated. This is a trap. Don’t fall into this.
Here are the three common problems I notice in high performers to maintain their motivation, starting from the most shallow to the more deep rooted problems.
1. The Isolation of Success:
Success can be isolating. The higher you climb, the fewer people there are who truly understand what it’s like to be in your shoes. You’ve probably had people bust your chops, criticizing you for wasting your life working. You might find that the usual support systems don’t cut it anymore, and this isolation can drain your motivation quicker than anything else. Makes sense, right?
What To Do About It: Here’s the first step. Don’t make the mistake of believing that admitting this makes you weak. Lying to yourself makes you weak, And you wouldn’t be reading this if this wasn’t a challenge. So, seek out communities or networks where you can connect with others who are on a similar journey. Whether it’s through mastermind groups, mentorship, or peer networks, surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you is crucial. Here’s a question, who do you go to and be vulnerable with? Let me put it to you like this – you fancy yourself a high performer, so you’re probably a big one on ‘being super effective’ and all that stuff, right? How effective are you being with the very thing that produces all your results – YOU? This challenge may seem surface-level, but it’s important to recognize that without the right support, deeper issues can emerge.
The High Performer’s Objection: “I don’t have time to build a support network—I’ve got too much on my plate.”
My Response: “That’s exactly why you need one. Don’t be stupid.”
2. The Plateau Effect:
You’ve been putting in your 80 hour weeks, and you’ve hit significant milestones. Yet now, it feels like you’re not moving forward—like you’re stuck in a phase where progress has slowed to a crawl. This is what we call the plateau effect. It’s something that every high performer encounters. Think of it like this: in the world of martial arts, true masters recognize and even relish these plateaus. Think of a samurai master, who has fought many battles – does the image of frustration come to mind? As George Leonard explains in his book Mastery, these plateaus aren’t failures—they’re where the real growth happens. It’s during these times that skills are honed, understanding deepens, and the foundation for your next breakthrough is laid.
What To Do About It: As a high performer, you probably thrive on progress. But here’s the tricky thing to swallow – there is nothing you can do to shorten these plateaus. The path to mastery is about enduring and embracing the plateaus. There’s no shortcut here. You need to keep showing up, refining your craft, and trusting that this phase is essential for your development. By shifting your mindset to see the value in these challenging periods, you build the resilience and depth that will propel you forward when the next breakthrough comes. The plateau effect touches deeper, often revealing where your true dedication lies. Remember, the work is working on you during these periods.
The High Performer’s Objection: “But Max look at all these companies that experienced crazy growth in short periods of time! That’s what I should be aiming for!.”
My Response: “You desire for quick results is the very thing keeping them from you. Allow these plateaus to grow you.”
3. The Trap of Extrinsic Motivation:
Now, let’s address the most deeply rooted challenge: the trap of extrinsic motivation. If you’ve spent years, maybe even decades, driven by external rewards—be it recognition, money, or status—there might come a point where these no longer feel as fulfilling. This realization can be unsettling. You might find yourself questioning everything: the sacrifices, the long hours, the relentless pursuit of more. It’s not just a dip in motivation; it’s a deeper reckoning with what truly drives you. This is a particularly thorny trap as the world will reward you with status and money and other people around you, which actually has the capacity to make you feel more disconnected than ever. But here’s the hard thing to swallow, extrinsic motivation will never lead to a meaningful life, it’s like a law of human nature.
What To Do About It: The reality is that overcoming this trap might require a significant shift. It’s not just about tweaking what you’re already doing; it might mean pivoting into something new—a business, a venture, or a project that aligns more closely with your intrinsic motivations. Pursuing extrinsic rewards is like trying to build a sandcastle in high tide—it won’t last. To find lasting fulfillment and motivation, your work needs to be rooted in something more meaningful, something that resonates with who you are at your core. This is the most challenging because it requires confronting the very foundation of what has driven you all these years, and having the courage to redefine it.
The High Performer’s Objection: “But I’ve built my entire life around these goals—and I have a family to support.”
My Response: “Could it be argued that your responsibility to your family is to set an example of following one’s dreams and ideals? How could you say to your son or daughter to follow their passions if you aren’t?”
Conclusion:
If you’re struggling with motivation, it’s important to recognize that this is a normal part of the journey, even for someone at your level. The isolation of success, the plateau effect, and the limitations of extrinsic rewards are real challenges, but they’re not insurmountable. You’ve already proven that you have what it takes to succeed in one capacity. Now, it’s about making the necessary shifts. And you absolutely can do it.
If this resonates with you, let’s have a conversation. Book in here.
Max. High Performance Coach.
